Get an exclusive peek at everything that goes into producing sporting events in Behind the Lights. Host Andrew Santino (of Punk’d fame) climbs inside the suit of the Stanford Tree, flips the field at the Oakland Coliseum, attends NHL referee school and more.

9 Reasons Masturbating Is Better Than Sex

Everyone masturbates. OK, well, we’re willing to bet that most people do anyway. And while there are stigmas that surround choking the chicken, it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, masturbation can be even better than sex. Not so convinced? Allow me to break down the reasons as to why you’re sometimes better off getting down solo.

1. You don’t have to worry about STDs—or about becoming a parent.
Your hand isn’t going to give you some weird disease or force you to pay child support. So go as many rounds as you want, without the stress.

2. You don’t have to worry about getting a text back.
Life motto: You can’t be ghosted if you don’t hook up with anyone.

3. Masturbation is free.
No, sex is not free. It’s money spent on proper date attire, treating her to dinner and drinks and the gas to get there. It ain’t cheap to get laid.

4. It doesn’t matter if you fall asleep halfway through.
This would probably be frowned upon during sex…

5. You don’t have to feel self-conscious.
There’s no pressure to look flawless from all angles if no one else is in the room.

6. You can just stop if you get bored.
We’ve all been there. Only this time, you don’t have to feel bad about it.

7. You can experiment.
Interested in something someone else might consider strange? Try it out! There are (mostly) no limits when you’re pleasuring yourself.

8. You can be selfish.
You don’t have to focus on getting anyone else off before you get yourself off. You have only yourself to think about.

9. Masturbation is “me-time.”
How often do you get the chance to sit with yourself and just chill out? A good masturbation sesh is all about you. Plus, you could have more orgasms in a week, or day, than you’d ever have with a partner.